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| CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON December 24, 2023 |
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
JOHN 1:1
Jesus is the Word, the living and eternal Word. He spoke the world into being, by His power it was heard. He is the Word of God, the expression of His mind. He reveals the Father's heart, His grace and truth we find. He came to dwell among us, in the flesh He was observed. He is the Word of life, the source of every breath. He gave Himself for us, to save us from our death. He conquered sin and grave, by His victory He assured. He is the Word of hope, the promise of His return. He will come again for us, to take us where He is.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him. (John 1:1-18)
Salvation of our God, the greatest gift of love. He sent His only Son to die for us on the cross. He bore our sins and paid the price, He rose again in power. He offers us eternal life, if we believe and trust. Salvation of our God, the joy of our salvation. He fills our hearts with peace and grace, He makes us new creations. He gives us hope and strength to live, He guides us by His Spirit. He teaches us His will and ways, if we obey and follow. Salvation of our God, the glory of our God. He calls us to His kingdom, He prepares a place for us. He will come back to take us home, He will wipe away our tears. He will welcome us with open arms, if we endure and persevere.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earthwill behold the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:7-10)
God revealed His justice, in His righteous Son. He came to show us mercy, and for our sins atone. He took our place on the cross, and bore the wrath we deserved. He paid the debt we owed, and from death He preserved. God revealed His justice, in His holy Word. He gave us His commandments, and His will to be heard. He taught us how to live, and what is right and wrong. He guides us by His Spirit, and makes us wise and strong. God revealed His justice, in His sovereign plan. He works all things for good, and His glory to expand. He judges every deed, and rewards every faith. He restores every brokenness, and heals every pain.
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6)
God spoke through Jesus, His beloved Son. He revealed His glory, His grace and His love. He spoke of the kingdom, the truth and the way. He spoke of the Father, His will and His plan. God spoke through Jesus, His faithful Son. He fulfilled His promise, His law and His word. He spoke with authority, power and wisdom. He spoke with compassion, mercy and forgiveness. God spoke through Jesus, His obedient Son. He accomplished His purpose, His mission and His work. He spoke on the cross, His blood and His sacrifice. He spoke from the grave, His victory and His life.
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me? And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him. (Hebrews 1:1-6)
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the one true reason for the season, the gift of God's love and grace. You came to the world as a humble child to save the human race. You are the light of the world, the ever shining star to show us the way to God and how much He loves us from afar. You are the king of kings and the lord of lords. You came to reign in our hearts and lives and bring us peace and joy evermore. Thank You so much Lord for being the Word that have brought us back to the loving arms of our Father in heaven. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.
Pericope:
I: Prologue
PROLOGUE
John 1:1-18
II: Expiation of Sin, Spiritual Liberation of Israel
LET ZION REJOICE
Isaiah 52:1-12
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
THE COMING OF GOD
Psalm 98:1-9
I: Introduction / II: The Son higher than Angels
INTRODUCTION / MESSIANIC ENTHRONEMENT
Hebrews 1:1-4/5-14
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat